PBL's...Changing the way we teach

Throughout my courses at Walden University, I have been challenged to look at my approach to educating my students. I have also become keenly aware of how quickly the landscape of education is changing. I feel as if I am basically starting over. This thought both excites and frightens me.

The fear of change is something everyone faces at some time in their journey. It happens in life as well as in our careers. Most people do not openly embrace change. They resist it because they are fearful of the unknown. But change allows growth and newness to the situation. Let's face it; the face of the average student has changed drastically over the past 10 years. Forget the traditional approach to educating them. They are not interested nor are they challenged by a "boring" textbook and monotone presentation of information by the classroom teacher. Without saying a word, they are begging to be taught in a manner in which they can learn. I often hear "this isn't fun" and I know I am among the majority of classroom teachers when I state this fact. When our students are not having fun, they are not engaging themselves in our classrooms. So, is problem-based learning the key to transforming our learning environments? I think it is a great start.

The GAME plan approach to integrating technology and redesigning our methods of presenting information to students, or leading them to the sources of information necessary for them to learn, is a thoughtful and sound approach. The GAME plan challenges us to look at the technology standards to determine what our students need to be successful once they leave our classrooms. We next look at ways to integrate these necessary technologies into our curriculum while whole-heartedly embracing the new Common Core Standards.  It is a marriage of what they need to know to where and how they find out. Teachers must now move into the role of facilitator rather than director in the classroom. The once believed perfect classroom environment of total quiet is being replaced with face to face interaction with classmates. Students are collaborating with one another in small groups. They ask questions of each other and then try to figure out where to go to get the answer. They agree and disagree on many things which develops their ability to reason and defend what they know and do not know. They are not in their seats, they are on the floor or walking around the room. This is the face of the new classroom.

Embracing change and opening our minds to new methods of accomplishing the same goal is the least we can do for our students. If we are not willing to do this for them, we must be willing to accept that we will harm them more than help them.